– Who’s winning the off-season, Calipari or Pitino? asks Rick Bozich of WDRB. Keeping Kenny Payne is a pro for UK. “The next time you’re in Rupp Arena, follow the dynamics on the UK bench. After Calipari makes one of his dramatic in-game corrections, the player leaving the court generally sits next to Payne, who patiently explains what the head coach wants. Payne is the guy the players trust.”

– Kentucky is getting its money’s worth with Mark Stoops, writes Tim Sullivan of the Courier-Journal. “Perhaps the most persuasive argument for extending him, though, is as punctuation. Two seasons of sustained recruiting buzz has generated newfound optimism among UK fans, and they have responded with their wallets. Only the University of Washington experienced a larger per-game attendance increase than did UK during the 2013 season. With Commonwealth Stadium in the midst of a $110 million face lift and another $45 million price tag expected for a new practice facility, Stoops’ extension enhances the general perception of progress around Wildcats football. It’s a means of maintaining momentum in advance of the final push for season ticket renewals.”